The deserts are found to be occupying the majority of the United Arab Emirates terrain. This barren landscape surmounted by a vast expanse of sand, although mystifying and astonishing, may seem monotonous for regular visitors. Therefore, finding a unique place, like the region of Al Ghail, where the mountains meet the desert, will inspire your imagination and leave you struck by the sheer beauty of that scene.
THE MAGIC OF AL GHAIL
While carefully studying the map of the UAE, I marked a few spots in the mountains that were partially covered by sand patches. During my cursory exploratory voyage, I discovered the area of Al Ghail seemingly looking like Mleiha region, that I previously wrote about here: 5 Things You Should Know About Fossil Rock and here: Jebel Al Faya – Also Known As – Real Jeepers Mountain.
Appearances are deceptive – in Mleiha the mountain formations are isolated inselbergs with flat gravel-covered plains, eventually turning into arid sandy desert. Whereas, the magic of Al Ghail region resides in the scattered mountains that rise steeply and abruptly to the height of 600 meters above the sea level, in some parts being interspersed by deeply carved gorges – dry river beds – and in the other parts being covered by sand brought by a funnel effect of the strong winds between the mountains.
REMINISCENCE OF MARS ON THE EARTH
The journey through the dirt road leading to Al Ghail (starting here: 25.359364, 56.027219) will allow you to admire the beauty of mountains meeting and alternating the sand dunes, as you drive through.
You will find many picturesque places around. You may choose to drive over the high dunes on one side of the road (25.387321, 56.041081) and admire the spectacular mountain horizon, or drive towards the mountainside and explore places hidden in the mountains, for example here: 25.383654, 56.062369 or here: 25.385741, 56.066564.
You might need a 4×4 car if you are planning to explore the area thoroughly. Alternatively, you can leave your car by the road and walk, as it is a very short distance to reach the places mentioned above.
There is a narrow pass through the mountains (starting here: 25.387428, 56.061532) that will allow you to reach a nice observation point right in front of the big dune covering the mountain (25.385297, 56.062480).
AL GHAIL – FAIRY TALE VILLAGE HIDDEN IN THE MOUNTAINS
The golden sands of Al Ghail are one of a kind natural gems and in the combination with rugged mountain ranges, it is truly a reminiscence of Mars on the Earth. Such images remind me of how intricate and stunning the United Arab Emirates and our planet’s features can be.
I was fortunate to witness the incantation of the sunset after climbing one of the mountain peaks, overlooking Al Ghail village.
The village of Al Ghail (25.382196, 56.064514) trapped inside the mountains, and the whole area around it is surrounded by a fence. I am guessing only the owners of the houses have access to it. Out of respect, even if the gate is open, I do not recommend entering the area by car. However, it is possible to walk around the fence and climb the mountains to have a better view of this spectacular landscape. And the climbing is totally worth it.
Additionally, you will be able to spot the signs next to the road mentioning that the whole area is protected, so please, approach with respect.
If you want to watch a short clip from my trip to Al Ghail Village, check the video below:
REMEMBER!
- Do not leave any garbage behind, including food. Even organic waste can take months to biodegrade and meanwhile it will attract animals. It may not only make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind but also it may make them sick.
- Have always a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people – in the end, you are saving nature.
- Hike or camp over gravel and rocks. In some areas, the vegetation can take years to grow back.
- Leave natural and historical items where you find them.
- Minimize cooking over a campfire, use the stove instead – it is less impact on the wilderness.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around the United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have about off-roading in the UAE.
You can get it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UrKZdo
FIELD GUIDE TO EMIRATES
To learn more about UAE’s natural & archaeological treasures, check: https://www.fieldguidetoemirates.com
I hope you found this article about Al Ghail region helpful and it gave you an idea of where to head to next weekend. If you are looking for places in the UAE mountains or desert, I recommend you to check: Top 4 Ultimate Beginner Off-Road Desert Trails in the UAE and Top 5 Off-Road Mountain Trails in the UAE. Enjoy!
